Latest news with #KKLine
Japan Today
11-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Tokyo expressway undergoes redevelopment into elevated green walkway
The Tokyo government has begun work to redevelop a two-kilometer expressway which encircles the capital's Ginza shopping district into an elevated greenway for pedestrians by the 2040s. The Tokyo Sky Corridor will replace the Tokyo Expressway, commonly known as the "KK Line" built on the rooftops of buildings and fully opened to traffic in 1966. Taking place in stages, almost the entirety of the expressway is scheduled to become an elevated promenade. The KK Line was closed in April as part of the broader project to redirect portions of the Shuto Expressway, which covers the greater Tokyo area. The plan for the walkway is modeled after the similar "High Line" project in New York City and is hoped to become a tourist attraction. According to the plan, part of the walkway surface will be covered with soil and be planted with trees and flowers. While benches and public bathrooms will be installed, some sections which are over 30 meters wide will be used for rest areas and events, with cafes and food trucks are also planned to be brought in. But the project faces several issues, such as doubts over countermeasures against summer heat and whether the elevated structure can withstand the weight of the soil and plant life. Costs for the project are expected to amount to 14 billion yen, but could rise further due to factors like soaring raw material prices. "There are many unique areas along the line, including Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shimbashi," said a Tokyo government official involved with the project conducted together with the KK Line operator. "We hope to make an attraction that brings attention from around the world." The KK Line had been toll-free thanks to rental income from tenants in buildings underneath the expressway. © KYODO
Kyodo News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Tokyo expressway undergoes redevelopment into elevated green walkway
KYODO NEWS - 8 hours ago - 11:52 | All, Japan The Tokyo government has begun work to redevelop a two-kilometer expressway which encircles the capital's Ginza shopping district into an elevated greenway for pedestrians by the 2040s. The Tokyo Sky Corridor will replace the Tokyo Expressway, commonly known as the "KK Line" built on the rooftops of buildings and fully opened to traffic in 1966. Taking place in stages, almost the entirety of the expressway is scheduled to become an elevated promenade. The KK Line was closed in April as part of the broader project to redirect portions of the Shuto Expressway, which covers the greater Tokyo area. The plan for the walkway is modeled after the similar "High Line" project in New York City and is hoped to become a tourist attraction. According to the plan, part of the walkway surface will be covered with soil and be planted with trees and flowers. While benches and public bathrooms will be installed, some sections which are over 30 meters wide will be used for rest areas and events, with cafes and food trucks are also planned to be brought in. But the project faces several issues, such as doubts over countermeasures against summer heat and whether the elevated structure can withstand the weight of the soil and plant life. Costs for the project are expected to amount to 14 billion yen ($97 million), but could rise further due to factors like soaring raw material prices. "There are many unique areas along the line, including Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shimbashi," said a Tokyo government official involved with the project conducted together with the KK Line operator. "We hope to make an attraction that brings attention from around the world." The KK Line had been toll-free thanks to rental income from tenants in buildings underneath the expressway. Related coverage: Land prices up in half of Japan's rural areas for 1st time in 33 yrs New Tokyo nightlife spot blends crane games with DJs, club fun
The Mainichi
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Tokyo expressway undergoes redevelopment into elevated green walkway
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Tokyo government has begun work to redevelop a two-kilometer expressway which encircles the capital's Ginza shopping district into an elevated greenway for pedestrians by the 2040s. The Tokyo Sky Corridor will replace the Tokyo Expressway, commonly known as the "KK Line" built on the rooftops of buildings and fully opened to traffic in 1966. Taking place in stages, almost the entirety of the expressway is scheduled to become an elevated promenade. The KK Line was closed in April as part of the broader project to redirect portions of the Shuto Expressway, which covers the greater Tokyo area. The plan for the walkway is modeled after the similar "High Line" project in New York City and is hoped to become a tourist attraction. According to the plan, part of the walkway surface will be covered with soil and be planted with trees and flowers. While benches and public bathrooms will be installed, some sections which are over 30 meters wide will be used for rest areas and events, with cafes and food trucks are also planned to be brought in. But the project faces several issues, such as doubts over countermeasures against summer heat and whether the elevated structure can withstand the weight of the soil and plant life. Costs for the project are expected to amount to 14 billion yen ($97 million), but could rise further due to factors like soaring raw material prices. "There are many unique areas along the line, including Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shimbashi," said a Tokyo government official involved with the project conducted together with the KK Line operator. "We hope to make an attraction that brings attention from around the world." The KK Line had been toll-free thanks to rental income from tenants in buildings underneath the expressway.
Kyodo News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Tokyo expressway undergoes redevelopment into elevated green walkway
KYODO NEWS - 7 minutes ago - 11:52 | All, Japan The Tokyo government has begun work to redevelop a two-kilometer expressway which encircles the capital's Ginza shopping district into an elevated greenway for pedestrians by the 2040s. The Tokyo Sky Corridor will replace the Tokyo Expressway, commonly known as the "KK Line" built on the rooftops of buildings and fully opened to traffic in 1966. Taking place in stages, almost the entirety of the expressway is scheduled to become an elevated promenade. The KK Line was closed in April as part of the broader project to redirect portions of the Shuto Expressway, which covers the greater Tokyo area. The plan for the walkway is modeled after the similar "High Line" project in New York City and is hoped to become a tourist attraction. According to the plan, part of the walkway surface will be covered with soil and be planted with trees and flowers. While benches and public bathrooms will be installed, some sections which are over 30 meters wide will be used for rest areas and events, with cafes and food trucks are also planned to be brought in. But the project faces several issues, such as doubts over countermeasures against summer heat and whether the elevated structure can withstand the weight of the soil and plant life. Costs for the project are expected to amount to 14 billion yen ($97 million), but could rise further due to factors like soaring raw material prices. "There are many unique areas along the line, including Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shimbashi," said a Tokyo government official involved with the project conducted together with the KK Line operator. "We hope to make an attraction that brings attention from around the world." The KK Line had been toll-free thanks to rental income from tenants in buildings underneath the expressway. Related coverage: Land prices up in half of Japan's rural areas for 1st time in 33 yrs New Tokyo nightlife spot blends crane games with DJs, club fun
South China Morning Post
05-04-2025
- South China Morning Post
Tokyo to transform congested Ginza motorway into New York High Line-inspired green space
Tokyo is taking steps to transform a congested motorway above the glamorous Ginza shopping district into a leafy pedestrian haven – inspired by New York's celebrated High Line park – as part of its efforts to promote a greener, more walkable city. Advertisement The final vehicle will travel on the Tokyo Expressway on Saturday. Work on the KK Route will begin immediately afterward, ahead of events scheduled for April 18 to celebrate the opening of the Tokyo Sky Corridor. On that day, participants are invited to walk along the 2km (1.2 miles) stretch of elevated roadway and engage in public discussions about the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's plans to promote pedestrian-friendly lifestyles throughout the city. The following day, the KK Line will host the Ginza Sky Run Challenge, a preliminary event for the marathon course for the Deaflympics, scheduled for November in Tokyo. City officials estimate that developing the KK Route will take another five years. It will ultimately feature gardens, green spaces, art installations, viewpoints over the city, and areas where visitors can relax and enjoy peaceful moments. Advertisement The objective is to convert a 1966 highway built as part of the city's modernisation into a lively tourist destination.
